The Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre welcomes
diners to break their fast this Ramadan month with a culinary journey that
recalls the charm and nostalgia of classic films and music from the golden era
of Malaysian cinema that featured legendary actor and film-maker, P Ramlee.
Dubbed,
Juadah Lagenda Seniman, this buffet will be served at Dine@Eight
Restaurant in a sumptuous spread of traditional and contemporary dishes,
creatively presented through food stations inspired by iconic movies from a
bygone era.
An installation at the foyer close to the
entrance of Dine@Eight Restaurant
I
am at the hotel for a media preview and at the foyer close to the entrance of
Dine@Eight, the mood was set by a small retro-themed installation that featured
nostalgic treasures and classic film memorabilia.
Enveloped
by P Ramlee’s familiar dulcet vocals in a playlist of nostalgic music, I was
instantly transported to a bygone era of Black & White vintage movies with
simple storylines, comedic scenarios and romantic charm, reminiscent of the
talented pair of P Ramlee and Saloma.
To
create this nostalgic setting, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre partnered
with Galleri Seni Johor, a gallery in KOMTAR JBCC Mall that showcases a
vast collection of valuable collectibles.
Follow the directions of this
signpost to reach the food stations
This
collaboration for Ramadan presents diners with an immersive visual experience with
dining in a charming and captivating retro-themed ambiance that complements the
menu of familiar favourites for the breaking-of-fast.
Reading
the signposts set up at the entrance, I was amused to see Malaysia’s rich
cinematic and culinary heritage being brought to life at Dine@Eight in food
stations, creatively named after popular P Ramlee movies like, Labu dan Labi,
Anakku Sazali, Ibu Mertuaku, Enam Jehanam, the Bujang Lapok series and the Do
Re Mi trilogy.
As
more media friends arrived, I was delighted to observe that some were dressed
in outfits that were inspired by classic film legends, P Ramlee and Saloma, and
I eagerly anticipated a Best Dressed contest to award those who made the effort
to dress according to the buffet theme. 
The Best Dressed media friends at the event
With
years of culinary experience and a passion for authentic flavours, Executive
Chef Abdul Wafi, a native of Penang, added his personal touch to curating the
menu for the Juadah Lagenda Seniman buffet.
His
connection to P Ramlee ran deeper than just inspiration and the magic of movies
as he grew up surrounded by stories of the movie legend’s love for good food.
“This
buffet is my way of sharing that inspiration with our guests,” said Chef Wafi
who worked with his culinary team, made up of Chef Jehan Azimi, Chef Izuanudin
and Ched Muhammad Aidil, to curate the Ramadan buffet menus.
Carving a whole roasted lamb
Determined
to discover the various food stations, I headed to the buffet to see chefs in
action, preparing freshly-made items, and saw a mouthwatering array of
appetizers, main course items in the hot buffet with sections for fresh fruits
and dainty desserts.
While
I joined media friends to browse around the buffet, I was greeted by a gentle
voice which I recognized as that of Emelyn Rosales, General Manager of Holiday
Inn Johor Bahru City Centre.
As
we exchanged pleasantries, Emelyn shared that the hotel wanted to create a
dining experience that brought people together over great food and cherished
memories.
Steamed rice specialties to savour with peanut
sauce, serunding or the rich gravies
She
said that Juadah Lagenda Seniman pays tribute to Malaysia’s cinematic heritage
by celebrating the flavours and dishes that were iconic during this golden era
of movies.
“While
others honour these legendary films on screen, we do so through the joy of
dining, by offering guests a unique way to connect with the timeless influence
of this remarkable period,” she said.
For instance, the
main course Ya Ali Baba Corner invites diners to experience the spirit
of Ali Baba Bujang Lapok. 
Traditional salads to whet your appetite
Start by pairing Nasi
Arab with Ayam Kuzi, a Kelantanese specialty featuring tender
chicken simmered in a rich and velvety sauce, reflecting a timeless tale.
Next, savour the bold
flavours of Daging Rendang Mamak, where tender beef is slow-cooked in a
luscious coconut gravy infused with aromatic Southeast Asian herbs and spices.
For mutton lovers,
the Kambing Rendang offers a truly unforgettable experience with its
succulent meat steeped in layers of spicy, coconut-infused richness.
In the hot buffet, rich
gravies like Siput Buluh Masak Cili Thai (shellfish), Ikan Pedas Ibu Mertuaku
(fish), Daging Masak Palembang (beef) and Ayam Kuzi (chicken) are best savoured
with steamed white rice but may be enjoyed, paired with portions of lemang, rolls of glutinous rice steamed
in coconut milk, ketupat palas, steamed triangle rice cakes and burasak,
Bugis-style glutinous rice steamed in coconut milk.
A choice of meat and condiments to
savour with warm Sup Berempah
In anticipation of Hari Raya, these steamed rice
specialties will be served throughout Ramadan for diners to savour with Kuah Kacang, Serunding Daging and Serunding
Kelapa.
Diners are welcome to help themselves to ready-made
or do-it-yourself salads with the fresh ingredients from the Classic Ulam
Station, or visit the Noodle dan Laksa Station, the Roti Canai Station and particularly,
the BBQ Station for choices of grilled meat and fish. 
Warm and comforting Bubur Lambuk
The taste of nostalgia continued with warm and comforting
Bubur Lambuk and Sup Berempah, a rich brew of soup for diners to top with a choice
of meat and condiments.
In the dessert section, I observed that charming
covered platters of traditional tudung saji were used to serve a range
of popular Malay kueh.
I liked that the range of desserts were served in
small portions so that diners may indulge in a range of cakes, tarts, puddings
and pastries while the kids and young-at-heart may have fun enjoying sweet treats
from the Chocolate Fountain.
A range of popular Malay kueh served in
traditional tudung saji, covered platters
The shaved ice section remains popular with diners
who liked to create their own icy treats topped with a selection of colourful jellies,
fresh and dried fruits.
Selamat Berbuka!
The Juadah Seniman Lagenda, Ramadan
Buffet will be served at Dine@Eight Restaurant from 6.30pm to 10pm, from 5
March to 29 March 2025.
Take
advantage of the Early Bird Promotion at only RM158+ for adults with a Buy 10 Free
1 promotion, available exclusively from now until 3 March 2025.
Normal
prices sit at RM188+ for adult (Buy 10 Free 1), RM168+ for senior citizens (60
years and above) and RM98+ for children (aged 6-12). Kids aged five years
old and below will eat for Free.
Dine in nostalgic ambience
as you enjoy the magic of movies
Get rewarded with 20% off IHG One Rewards Dining Privileges with a
limitation of 8 persons for every receipt. Explore the Dinner Bed and Breakfast package at
holidayinn.com/johorbahru for a complete experience of staycation, Sahur
Buffet, and Juadah Lagenda Seniman.
For reservation or more
information, please call 07 207 8888, email to fnb@holidayinnjbcc.com, or walk into Dine@Eight Restaurant located on Level Eight, the lobby level of Holiday Inn Johor
Baru City Centre, in Johor Baru City Centre Mall, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000
Johor Baru, Johor.
For
more information, visit the Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre official
Facebook and Instagram pages for holidayinnjbcc or website:
holidayinn.com/johorbahru
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